CONNECTING EUROPE FACILITY (CEF)
EU funding for transport, energy and digital infrastructure projects
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a European Union funding programme supporting the development of high-performing, sustainable and interconnected trans-European networks in transport, energy and digital infrastructure. We support organisations in identifying suitable CEF calls, structuring competitive funding proposals and managing complex cross-border infrastructure projects.
Overview of the Connecting Europe Facility
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is an EU funding instrument under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) designed to finance strategic infrastructure projects across Europe. CEF funds projects that strengthen cross-border connectivity, accelerate the green transition and enhance Europe’s digital and energy resilience. CEF focuses on three main sectors:
- CEF Transport
- CEF Energy
- CEF Digital
The focus on infrastructure deployment rather than early-stage research. Co-funding rates vary depending on sector and project type and there is a strong emphasis on cross-border impact and alignment with EU policy priorities (Green Deal, Digital Decade, Energy Union). The programme is implemented primarily by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
What does the CEF programme support?
CEF Transport
CEF Transport supports the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), including:
- Rail and inland waterways
- Ports and maritime infrastructure
- Sustainable and alternative fuels infrastructure (CEF AFIF)
- Smart and digital transport systems
- Cross-border infrastructure projects
Projects must contribute to improving transport infrastructures, sustainability and interoperability across Europe.
CEF Energy
CEF Energy supports the development of cross-border energy infrastructure and Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) or Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs).
Funding areas include:
- Electricity transmission infrastructure
- Smart grids
- Hydrogen infrastructure
- CO₂ transport networks
- Cross-border energy interconnections
Projects must enhance energy security, market integration and decarbonisation.
CEF Digital
CEF Digital supports the deployment of secure, sustainable and high-performance digital infrastructure across Europe.
Typical areas include:
- Backbone networks and digital global gateways
- 5G connectivity
- Cloud and edge infrastructure
- Digital platforms supporting public service
Who is eligible?
CEF projects must contribute to European digital sovereignty and cross-border digital connectivity. The eligibility for CEF funding depends on the sector and call topic. Many CEF calls require cross-border cooperation and alignment with EU policy frameworks such as Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) or building Projects of Common Interest (PCI).
Funding type
Grant funding. Project funding share and budgets can vary depending on the call. Budgets can range from several million euros to hundreds of millions depending on funding call and project scope and scale.
Eligible entities:
Large enterprises
Public authorities
Infrastructure operators
Energy transmission system operators (TSOs)
Transport authorities and operators
Telecommunications companies
Private companies in partnership with public entities.
What evaluators really look for
This is where many CEF funding proposals fail. Evaluators assess projects based on:
Relevance: Alignment with CEF objectives, TEN-T priorities, PCI/PMI status or digital policy targets.
Maturity: Technical readiness, permitting status and implementation feasibility.
Impact: Cross-border added value, sustainability contribution and socio-economic benefits.
Implementation capacity: Strong project governance, risk management and financial robustness.
Strong project ideas lose points when:
- The cross-border dimension is insufficient
- Technical maturity is limited
- Cost-benefit analysis is weak
- Regulatory alignment is incomplete.
How the proposal process works
- Problem definition and CEF funding fit assessment
- Project concept development and consortium building
- Impact logic, indicators and replication strategy
- Full proposal preparation (single stage application)
- Submission and evaluation
- Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP) for selected projects.
Preparation time:
We strongly recommend getting started 3–6 months before deadline, especially for larger projects or those with several countries involved.
Why Spinverse?
We are the trusted partner for the entire CEF proposal preparation process. Our experts bring together their expertise on the infrastructure topics, funding and project management to support complex CEF funding proposals and their implementation. To date, we have raised our customers nearly €50 million in grants from this funding programme and every funding proposal we have prepared with our customers has been successful.
We help convert your infrastructure ambitions into structured and competitive CEF proposals.
CEF call analysis and eligibility assessment
Proposal preparation and technical structuring
Impact and cost-benefit logic development
Budget preparation and financial structuring
Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP)
Project management and reporting support of funded project
Our references
Spinverse has years of experience in preparing successful CEF funding proposals, supporting both public and private organisations.
Contact us
Get in touch with our experts to discuss your specific challenges, explore funding opportunities and collaboration options and learn how we can support your next steps.
